Breastfeeding Boosts IQ in Children with Particular Gene
Is intelligence determined by nature or nurture? The latest breastfeeding study reveals that nature (genetic makeup) and nurture (breastfeeding) work together to develop a child’s IQ. In children with a particular variant of the FADS2 gene (as 90% of children have), breastfeeding increases intelligence. Breastfed children with the gene variant score an average of seven points higher on intelligence tests than their formula-fed counterparts. For a geneticist’s take on this news, read the clear explanation offered by Dr. Hsien-Hsien Lei at Eye on DNA.
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POSTED IN: advantages of breastfeeding, breast milk, breastfeeding, health of the baby, scientific studies
12 opinions for Breastfeeding Boosts IQ in Children with Particular Gene
Karen
Nov 7, 2007 at 6:15 am
“Breastfeeding Boosts IQ” - no, it doesn’t. Breastfeeding is the biological norm. It allows human beings to realise their natural potential. NOT breastfeeding hinders this.
Angela White, J.D., breastfeeding counselor
Nov 8, 2007 at 7:54 am
Point taken. I was looking at it from the perspective that it increases IQ in breastfed children with the gene, but not breastfed children without the gene or in formula-fed children either way. But yes, breastfeeding is nature’s way of helping each child reach his or her potential.
Kit
Feb 22, 2008 at 7:28 am
To my knowledge there is no scientific evidence that breat feeding helps or hinders IQ. Nor is there evidence, to my knowlegde, that not breast feeding hinders or helps IQ.
Kit
Feb 26, 2008 at 4:25 am
What evidence is there to show that the baby’s IQ is not a direct function of that of the mother’s? A low IQ mom is likely to produce a low IQ child regardless of whether or not the baby was breast fed. How about that for a theroy?
Angela White, J.D., breastfeeding counselor
Feb 26, 2008 at 8:49 am
Or perhaps it’s the mothers with the high IQ who are more likely to breastfeed….
Kit
Feb 26, 2008 at 9:05 am
Angela! I would have expected something a bit more professional from you. I mean, talk about a bias!
Angela White, J.D., breastfeeding counselor
Feb 26, 2008 at 9:12 am
If you are talking about factors that need to be controlled for in a study (such as “a low IQ mom is likely to produce a low IQ child”), then whether a mother’s IQ affects her decision to breastfeed is another factor, just as income and education levels are frequently cited as factors in the decision to breastfeed.
Kit
Feb 26, 2008 at 9:43 am
IF it were true, that a low IQ mom is likely to produce a low IQ child then your earlier position that breast feeding tends to produce higher IQ is likely to be false. Low IQ moms do breastfeed. So, I can only assume that since you do maintain brestfeeding procuces higher IQs, then you believe that, regardless of the mom’ IQ. I maintain there is NO DIRECT evidence that breast feeding produces higher IQs.
Angela White, J.D., breastfeeding counselor
Feb 26, 2008 at 12:54 pm
The study abstract explains that the researchers took into account the mother’s IQ (”maternal cognitive ability”) and ruled out variations in the mother’s IQ as an explanation for the increase in IQ scores in breastfed children with the gene variant: “Breastfed children attain higher IQ scores than children not fed breast milk, presumably because of the fatty acids uniquely available in breast milk. Here we show that the association between breastfeeding and IQ is moderated by a genetic variant in FADS2, a gene involved in the genetic control of fatty acid pathways. We confirmed this gene–environment interaction in two birth cohorts, and we ruled out alternative explanations of the finding involving gene–exposure correlation, intrauterine growth, social class, and maternal cognitive ability, as well as maternal genotype effects on breastfeeding and breast milk.”
Kit
Feb 27, 2008 at 5:37 am
I did read the abstract as well as their report. Thank you for pasting it here for ease of reference.
It is interesting to note that the study “presumes” fatty acids to be a driver. The study results showing what is believed to be a direct correlation between FADS2, its relationship to fatty acid pathways, and the ultimate cognitive ability, have, as we are aware, not been independently verified. However, based on the study results it seems like a theory to be advanced at this point. There is a strong difference in scientific opinion on this issue. In fact there are European study results that show there is no direct corrleaton between IQ and/or the health of the child due to breast feeding over that of formula. Those results are indeed recognized by the World Healt Organization (WHO) as well. That is, my only point. Let us not speak as though this correlation is an undisputed fact! At least let us acknowledge there exist two bodies of thought on this issue and each with its own body of evidence. Also, that there is no direct evidence that length of time (beyond six months to one year) for breast feeding a child enhances either the child’s IQ, antibody production, health, and/ or antibody retention. To state otherwise, categorically, may be misleading.
An additional thing we note is the lack of correlation between the mother’s IQ and the gene variant. That would tend to rule out any (earlier) notion some may have, that only higher IQ mom’s tend to breast feed their baby. That is, lower IQ mom’s have the fatty acids as well. The study led the group to conclude that FADS2 “moderates” the association between breast feeding and IQ.
To reach any objective assessment or conclusions, requires presentation of both sides of any issue.
Angela White, J.D., breastfeeding counselor
Feb 27, 2008 at 7:59 am
Your statement: “Also, that there is no direct evidence that length of time (beyond six months to one year) for breast feeding a child enhances either the child’s IQ, antibody production, health, and/ or antibody retention. To state otherwise, categorically, may be misleading.” is simply not true. The benefits of breastfeeding last well beyond the first year, and in fact, the World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding for at least two years. In particular, antibodies become even more concentrated in a mother’s milk over time, and provide many protections to breastfed children beyond one year. I have written a great deal about the scientific studies that show the benefits of on-going breastfeeding under the blog categories “advantages of breastfeeding,” “extended breastfeeding,” “toddler nursing,” and “scientific studies.”
Kit
Feb 27, 2008 at 8:43 am
As you might notice, I did specifically not talk about the length of time benefits from breast feeding last. The antibody stimulation provided by breast feeding I do believe are very long lasting indeed. The amount of time, however, for effective stimulation to take root, WAS the theme in my previous comments. Yes, I am sure you have written a great deal. Your efforts to help women grapple with their informational needs and concerns are greatly appreciated by us all! Thank you for allowing me to post as much as I have. As one TV talk show host is known for saying, “I give you the last word”.
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